Design On A Dime, Preparing To Move Out Part 1

So, I’m thrilled, elated, ecstatic, overjoyed and proud to announce that I have finally purchased my very own apartment! Oh the joy – it’s almost unbearable! Though I truly love my parents and am grateful for all that they have done for me, I’m a blossoming flower and I just need some space to bloom, bloom, bloom; you know what I mean, right? It’s almost like a rite of passage, an adventure one must embark on to become a true adult – and I’m heading out into the wilderness this February!
It’s not that simple, though, you see. It’s not as if I can just “poof,” move in and have fabulous furniture and amazing artwork and all the appliances I need. No, no. It’s going to take work; it’s going to take diligence and most of all it’s going to take money. Now, this apartment is great because it’s old – it’s got that antique feel to it. The walls are thick and sturdy with crown molding and frame molding in the center; the floors are parquet wood and in great condition; the set up is cozy and it’s just the perfect place for me to start living on my own. But, the fact that it’s old is also a slight down fall – those sturdy, thick walls have a few cracks in them, the floors, though in great shape, could be cleaned up a bit (and are currently covered in old carpet that needs to be ripped out), and the bathroom, well, let’s not even go there. That’s a picture you’re not going to see until the project is finished. Nonetheless, it’s a space all my own; it’s space where I can come home to at the end of the day and just relax; it’s a space where, if I really want to, I can just walk around in my birthday suit all day long and no one can bother me; it’s a space where I can be free!
Now, here’s the issue: I need to decorate and furnish the place, but my funds are a bit low so I’m trying my best to come up with interesting, creative and money-saving ways to have a fabulous apartment on a 23-year-old’s salary! I’m pretty handy, so I’m not going into this project completely un-knowing of how to use a hammer or how to spackle some cracks in the walls. Over the summer I laid down new floors, all by my self, and they came out pretty damn good if you ask me – so I’m confident that this will be a job well done. However, there’s a lot to be done, and the more help I can get, the better. So, I’ve decided to begin a small, three-part series in which I will document my experiences as I flee the nest, as I brave the real world, as I let all of my fears, worries and skeptical thoughts out and as I…move out!!!

I’ll admit it – I’m totally scared. This is a huge step for me. I’m worried about paying rent. I’m worried about buying food. I’m worried about cooking the food. I’m worried about growing up. But at the same time, I can’t wait! I’ve been looking forward to this for a long time, and it’s finally happening – finally!
So where do I start? Well, let me tell you. I’ve never noticed how many great people I have in my life until this point. Everyone is lending a helping hand; offering unwanted furniture, offering time and aid in moving said unwanted furniture, offering money to pick up a few necessities to get started – I hit the jackpot! Honestly, though, I couldn’t appreciate it more, so thank you to everyone involved!
That being said, tapping into your family resources and heirlooms and any outlet you can think of through which you can take something off someone’s hands is a great way to score some otherwise unaffordable stuff for your first place. And, if you’re anything like me, you’d rather have the old stuff with a little history behind it, rather than some over - priced, low-quality factory furniture.


Okay, so I’m doing well with furniture, but I’m still going to need appliances: a coffee machine (something I simply cannot live without), silverware, cookware, glassware (oh wait! I got that – for $8 on sale at Target!), and surely lots of other items that I can’t think of at the moment, or that I don’t even know I will need yet. This is a lot of stuff, which means a lot of money if I’m stupid about it. But let’s be honest, being that this is my first place, I don’t need top-of-the-line goods to get me by. I just need function and durability. Craigslist is a wonderful place to find almost anything you need, so I did a quick search on there and was able to find lots of people who are just giving this stuff away – it’s amazing! I learned of this from friends of mine that just moved into a new home and were lucky enough to find a free, yes I said free, dining room table complete with chairs on Craiglist. Most of the time the only requirement is that you are able to come and pick up the furniture your self – no problem! So, if anyone else out there is looking for some new stuff, definitely tap well into this resource!
Now what about things like sheets, blankets, towels, toiletries (such as a toothbrush holder, soap dish, bathroom storage, etc.)? Well, I hit the stores before Christmas to purchase gifts for others, but truth be told, ended up finding some great things for my new place along the way. Kohls is a Godsend; when that place has major sales, they really chop the prices and so when I was there just before the holiday I scored some great must-have items to help me along the way to getting ready to move it on out! First, I found awesome bath towels – large, soft, comfy and cozy bath towels that were originally marked at $12-$19 per towel – but I got them for $4.99 each. Score! Next, I got a great silverware set with everything I need from forks to spoons to knives and more for, get this, $14 (it was originally $50) – not bad! I also picked up a cute oven mitt for $2.99, a spice rack for, well I don’t remember how much it was, but it was cheap and it came with all the spices, and some dishtowels. I’m telling you, if you want good stuff but you don’t want to pay top dollar for it, wait for a sale at Kohls and then go crazy – it’s so worth it!
Other than that, all I can say is save your money! It’s crucial to have a nice cushion in the bank should you come across some financial difficulties or anything that may cause you to need something to fall back on. And hey, if nothing comes along for a while, then feel free to use some of it to purchase something you need, in my case, like a dining room table!
I’m busy getting ready and preparing for the big move. Stay tuned for Part II which should be late this month or the beginning of February, when I get the keys for the first time and take you inside to check out my new place. I’ll be changing the entire set up, and taking you along for the ride so I can share tips and inspirations; and hey, if you’ve got any info that might help me, you can reach me at Amanda@theaquarian.com.